Susan Taylor, DBH, LMSW, LMSW-C - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Susan Taylor, DBH, LMSW

Susan Taylor, DBH, LMSW

LMSW-C
25 years of experience
Virtual

I help adults who are exhausted by anxiety move from feeling stuck to truly in control—and I understand deeply, because I’ve walked that painful path myself. Combining my clinical expertise with hard-won personal experience, I don’t just offer theories—I give you practical tools that work in real life. Together, we’ll take those awful, gut-wrenching feelings and break them into solvable pieces, using proven techniques (think of them like a mental toolkit) so you can track your progress as it happens. This isn’t about endless talk therapy; it’s about teaching you how to calm your body, quiet the racing thoughts that fuel anxiety, and finally stop being afraid so you can live freely again.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Your first session is where hope starts to feel tangible. We’ll begin with a focused (but never rushed) conversation where you’ll finally feel heard—not just as a set of symptoms, but as a person whose story matters. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to pinpoint exactly how anxiety hijacks your life, then clearly explain how we’ll dismantle it together using proven methods. Before you leave, you’ll have: ✅ Clarity – A clear understanding of why your anxiety persists (no vague theories) ✅ A Custom Strategy – Your first personalized tool to disrupt anxiety’s cycle immediately ✅ Momentum – The quiet relief that comes when someone truly gets it and knows how to help This isn’t ‘let’s wait and see’ therapy—it’s the first step toward reclaiming your life.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths aren’t just in my training—they’re in the results you’ll experience. Here’s what sets me apart: 1️⃣ ‘I’ve Been Where You Are’ Insight – My own battle with debilitating anxiety means I truly understand the frustration, shame, and exhaustion you’re feeling—no sterile textbook solutions here. 2️⃣ Whole-Person Expertise – With specialized training in both the mind and body’s role in anxiety, I target symptoms at their root (whether it’s racing thoughts, panic cycles, or avoidance patterns). 3️⃣ Progress You Can Actually See – You’ll never wonder ‘Is this working?’—we’ll track concrete wins so you feel and measure your growth, session by session. Most importantly? I don’t just treat anxiety—I help you build the confidence that you can beat it.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work best with high-achieving adults who know anxiety is holding them back—whether it’s relentless ‘what-if’ thinking, physical symptoms like panic or exhaustion, or avoiding things they want to do (but fear won’t let them). They’re tired of quick fixes that don’t last and want science-backed strategies to: ✅ Quiet the mental noise that amplifies their anxiety ✅ Regain control of their body’s stress responses ✅ Stop shrinking their life to accommodate fear Deep down, they’re ready to stop managing anxiety and start overcoming it—and they want a guide who’s been there and has the clinical expertise to help them do it.

About Susan Taylor, DBH, LMSW

Identifies as

Specializes in

AnxietyCareer CounselingDepressionGriefOlder AdultsPhobiasSelf Esteem

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and effective approaches for anxiety - and it's the foundation of my work with clients. Here's how we'll use it together: 1️⃣ Catch the Culprits We'll uncover the automatic thoughts that fuel your anxiety (like "This feeling means I'm losing control" or "I can't cope"). You'll learn to spot them in real time. 2️⃣ Challenge the False Alarms Together, we'll examine whether these thoughts are facts or just fear talking - and develop more accurate, balanced perspectives. 3️⃣ Change Your Response You'll practice new ways of reacting to anxiety that gradually rewire your brain's fear responses. No more avoiding - just confident coping. What Makes My CBT Approach Different: ✓ Personalized - Adapted to your specific anxiety patterns and goals ✓ Action-Oriented - You'll leave every session with concrete tools to use immediately ✓ Progress-Focused - We'll measure improvements so you see real change ✓ Lived Experience - I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding of overcoming anxiety This isn't about positive thinking - it's about training your brain to respond to life's challenges without the overwhelming fear that's been holding you back.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

My solution-focused approach helps you create meaningful change quickly - often within just a few sessions. Here's what to expect: We'll focus on: 1️⃣ What's already working - We'll uncover the strengths and effective coping strategies you're already using (even if you don't yet recognize them) 2️⃣ Clear, meaningful goals - You'll define exactly what success looks like for your life 3️⃣ Building on progress - Those powerful moments when you notice real shifts happening Why this approach works: ✓ Efficient - We concentrate on solutions rather than analyzing problems ✓ Empowering - You'll discover your own ability to create change ✓ Practical - Every session provides tools you can use right away ✓ Strategic - My business background helps develop targeted, measurable plans This isn't about temporary fixes - it's about helping you become confident in your ability to: • Picture the future you want • Move past stuck points • Recognize and build on your progress naturally

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gives you a new way to handle anxiety—not by fighting it, but by changing how it affects your life. Here’s what we’ll do together: 1️⃣ Pause the Struggle You’ll learn to notice anxious thoughts and physical reactions without getting pulled into their grip—like recognizing background noise without having to turn up the volume. 2️⃣ Build Practical Skills We’ll develop specific techniques to: • Stay grounded when anxiety surges • Redirect your focus where you want it • Handle difficult moments with more ease 3️⃣ Expand Your Life You’ll practice taking small, manageable steps toward the things you’ve been putting off—regaining territory anxiety has claimed. Why This Approach Works: ✓ Science-backed tools that work in real life ✓ Focuses on what you can control (your actions, not your feelings) ✓ Respects where you are—we’ll move at your pace ✓ Proven in my own recovery from debilitating anxiety The ultimate aim? To help you live by choice, not by fear—with anxiety present but no longer in charge.

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) isn’t about ‘facing your fears’—it’s about rewiring your brain’s false alarms so you can live freely again. Here’s how we’ll do it together: 1️⃣ Your Personalized Blueprint We’ll map out your specific triggers (situations, thoughts, or sensations) and rank them from ‘manageable’ to ‘challenging’—so we always work at your pace. 2️⃣ Gradual Relearning You’ll practice facing these triggers without using safety behaviors (like escaping or distracting yourself). This teaches your brain: “This isn’t actually dangerous.” 3️⃣ Lasting Freedom Over time, what once terrified you becomes... boring. Clients describe this as: • “I can’t believe I used to avoid this” • “My anxiety just... stopped showing up” • “I finally feel like myself again” Why ERP Works (And Why I Believe In It): ✓ Targets anxiety at its root (not just symptoms) ✓ Gives you control back—no more rearranging your life to avoid fear ✓ My own recovery proof—I’ve walked this path and know the milestones The best part? You’ll have a clear roadmap—so you’re never guessing whether it’s working.